Wollongong Wolves defender James Baldacchino has been officially invited to the U21 Maltese National Training Camp.
The Maltese Football Association invited James to the camp after watching footage of him in action with the Wolves.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to trial for the Malta U21s squad and a strong showing here could see me press for inclusion in the firsts team. It all came about as a little bit of a surprise but I intend to take full advantage. It’s very exciting. This is very special to me and very important to my family. I know being offered a chance to represent the country of my family’s background is a proud moment for all of us,” stated Baldacchino.
Baldacchino leaves for Malta on Saturday 20th May 2017 for a 4-week training camp which will conclude with two friendly matched in Italy before returning home to the Wolves on 23rd June 2017, to re-join his team mates for the remainder of the season.
Wollongong Wolves first grade coach Jacob Timpano was full of praise for his young midfielder.
“Malta have obviously done their homework. James has great talent and ability and works really hard at all aspects of his game. He has been a strong performer for us over the last few seasons, and while we will be losing him for 4 to 5 weeks, this is a great chance for him and the club was never going to stand in his way.”
Baldacchino will be vying with a host of other Maltese eligible players, carefully selected from around the world, to be the foundation for the national senior team for the future. Identification of talent has been a priority for the Maltese Football Association and the selection of Baldacchino is a major achievement for both James, and the systems at place for the development and progression of players at the Wollongong Wolves.
“The Wolves have been awesome in taking my game to another level and selection in the Maltese national train on squad is a great reward for all the hard work. I’ve got no doubt this camp is going to be great for my football development and I know I will be an even better player when I get back to Wolves for the latter part of our season,” continued Baldacchino.
The camp is a high intensity talent identification and development program with Malta scouting the world for the best credentialed, Maltese eligible footballers. Baldacchino, a Wolves junior, has progressed through the Wolves ranks to today being an integral part of the first-grade squad.
Another local product recognised on a much bigger stage.
Timpano concluded by saying, “This is an example of what is possible through the pathways we provide here at the Wolves. You never know who is watching you play and what opportunities open up through football. James has been recognised and acknowledged for all the hard work he has put in and he is another Wolves success story. Congratulations to him and we wish him all the very best.”
-Wollongong Wolves Press Release
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